diff --git a/llm/cli.py b/llm/cli.py
index 9ed6892..af37feb 100644
--- a/llm/cli.py
+++ b/llm/cli.py
@@ -1109,6 +1109,8 @@ def embed(
             model_obj = collection_obj.model()
 
     if model_obj is None:
+        if model is None:
+            model = get_default_embedding_model()
         try:
             model_obj = get_embedding_model(model)
         except UnknownModelError:
diff --git a/tests/test_embed_cli.py b/tests/test_embed_cli.py
index 8088a4a..e9f3d2d 100644
--- a/tests/test_embed_cli.py
+++ b/tests/test_embed_cli.py
@@ -558,6 +558,12 @@ def test_default_embedding_model():
     result5 = runner.invoke(cli, ["embed-models", "default"])
     assert result5.exit_code == 0
     assert result5.output == "<No default embedding model set>\n"
+    # Now set the default and actually use it
+    result6 = runner.invoke(cli, ["embed-models", "default", "embed-demo"])
+    assert result6.exit_code == 0
+    result7 = runner.invoke(cli, ["embed", "-c", "hello world"])
+    assert result7.exit_code == 0
+    assert result7.output == "[5, 5, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0]\n"
 
 
 @pytest.mark.parametrize("default_is_set", (False, True))